Abstract: The invention provides improved separation media for use in chromatography and electrophoresis, or for the selective absorption of certain components of a sample mixture, especially in a preliminary stage of an analysis. Improved media according to the invention comprises first particles capable or retaining one or more of the components of a sample mixture and second particles selected to have a higher thermal conductivity than the first particles, so that the thermal conductivity of the media is higher than that of media comprising the first particles alone. The media may be incorporated in packed or capillary columns for chromatography (especially nanoflow HPLC) or for capillary electrophoresis, or may be coated on a substrate. Particular embodiments of the media may comprise mixtures of first particles comprising siliceous polymers, second particles of gold, diamond or graphite. Chromatographic columns and apparatus incorporating them are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sorbent polymer is provided that interacts or reacts with aqueous urea to aid the regeneration of a dialysate liquid. The sorbent polymer may include one or more specific functional groups bonded thereto. Such specific functional groups are selected from carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylates, amides, dicarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acid esters, and dicer boxylates to produce the desired urea sorbent.

Abstract: A bioretention system and method are provided for removing phosphorus, nitrogen and other materials from effluent such as wastewater and stormwater. The system and method can include a filtration media comprising water treatment residuals and other fill such as soil. Plants can be growing in the soil. The system can also include a drainage system to regulate outflow, to function during both low and high throughputs of water.

Abstract: A water feature for use in landscaping applications. A water issuing device, such as a waterfall construction is provided for receiving water and discharging water onto a gravel bed. The bed is positioned below the waterfall and forms a path or surface along which the water can flow in a stream-like manner and through which the water can percolate downwardly into the bed. A perforated and tubularly shaped collection module having a plurality of openings for receiving water percolating downwardly through the bed. A cylindrically-shaped and generally vertically oriented stack is coupled to the module for receiving water therefrom. A pump in the stack receives water from the water collection member and directs water to the waterfall construction. It is noted that water from the waterfall appears to disappear into the gravel and only a shallow stream is formed.

Abstract: Integrated hydrologic circuits, with circuit element hydropotentials, hydroconductors, hydroinsulators, hydrocapacitors, and most significantly hydrotransistors for collecting, filtering, storing, and transporting water on the basis of the principle that water can flow faster through a porous medium with an enlarged cross-sectional area, under an elevated hydrodynamic potential, and of the consideration of the law of hydrodynamic continuity in constructing IHC systems of continuous flow. The devices are constructed to permit efficient exchanges between surface water and groundwaters for the purposes of urban water-supply, treatment of polluted water and waste water, irrigation, flood control and other purposes.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a composite permeable brick comprising a permeable surface layer and a permeable base layer. The surface layer and the permeable base layer, which respectively comprise an aggregate and a binder adhering to the aggregate, are closely combined together. The binder in the permeable surface layer at least comprises a hydrophilic binder. The permeable brick according to the invention has a good permeability and is of low cost, because of the compact and permeable surface of the brick. The invention also discloses a mixture for preparing the composite permeable brick, comprising an aggregate and a binder adhering to the aggregate. The binder at least comprises a hydrophilic binder, and the binder/aggregate ratio is from 1:100 to 20:100 by mass.

Abstract: Filtration of water to provide cleansed water, using an assembly that monitors the volume of water cleansed and back-flushes the filtration media based on that volume. The assembly includes a control valve that monitors the amount of water that has been processed, controls the addition of water and oxygen to the assembly, and thus affects the overall operation of the assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of metals and cleanup of roof top storm water runoff comprising a drum structure which includes at least two media beds for filtering the storm water runoff. The first media bed filters out particles of toxic metals and metal ions are absorbed on the media material in the first media bed.

Abstract: A granular filter media dry cell (or filter or bed) for dewatering a liquid composition of water and particulate solids. The liquid composition is applied to the granular filter media to remove water from the liquid composition by passing through the granular filter media with the particular solids collecting on top surface of granular filter media. Water is first allowed to fill from below to just above the top layer of the filter media. A non-porous liner is located on the inner, bottom surface of the container. A drain pipe, having small openings, is located on top of the liner in the valley. A porous layer of large filter media, with the drain pipe therein, is located in the bottom of the container. A grid having open passageways, with fine filter media therein, is located on top thereof. A layer of fine filtrate sand is located on top of the grid.

Abstract: An underwater filtration system or operator which can be floated on and suspended in a river, lake, pond or other water body to filter water from the water body. The underwater filtration operator may be electrically charged with simultaneous introduction of continuous forced air to remove impurities from the water body and increase filtering efficiency and the system includes a split housing having a selected configuration and divided into one or more filtration units, each of which includes a filter medium or mediums for filtering water from the water body. A pump is provided in the interior of the system housing for receiving the filtered water from the filtration units and pumping the filtered water to a collection tank or dispenser, directly to an end user or to a reverse-osmosis water filtration unit for further filtration.

Abstract: A water filter for filtering raw water into potable water having a series of media layers in the following order: 1) sand to gravel or coarse silica; 2) zeolite; 3) activated carbon; 4) a second layer of sand to gravel or coarse silica; and 5) a second layer of zeolite is disclosed. Optionally, the filter further has a ceramic media layer, which may have a reactive coating such as calcium hypochloride. Further options include ferruginous latertic clay spheres (FLCS) or iron oxide brick particles, at least one grid, which may be charged, and/or at least one sand arch. The media layers are contained within at least one vessel. A water filtration system and methods for filtering raw water into potable water are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of removing impurities from heavy fuel includes providing a first stationary adsorption column. The method further includes packing adsorbent particles that have a particle size distribution wherein at least about 50% of the particles have a diameter greater than about 18 microns in the first column. The method further includes diluting heavy fuel with a solvent to form a solvent-fuel mixture, and supplying the solvent-fuel mixture through the first column to facilitate removing impurities from the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing dialysis treatment are provided. The device includes a resin bed including zirconium phosphate, zirconium oxide, and urease.

Abstract: An adsorptive bed having hydrous iron oxide and calcium carbonate materials. The adsorptive bed is useful in water treatment applications for removing metal contaminants, particularly for removing arsenic-containing ions.

Abstract: A bioretention system and method are provided for removing phosphorus, nitrogen and other materials from effluent such as wastewater and stormwater. The system and method can include a filtration media comprising water treatment residuals and other fill such as soil. Plants can be growing in the soil. The system can also include a drainage system to regulate outflow, to function during both low and high throughputs of water.

Abstract: An underwater filtration system or operator which can be floated on and suspended in a river, lake, pond or other water body to filter water from the water body. The underwater filtration operator may be electrically charged with simultaneous introduction of continuous forced air to remove impurities from the water body and increase filtering efficiency and the system includes a split housing having a selected configuration and divided into one or more filtration units, each of which includes a filter medium or mediums for filtering water from the water body. A pump is provided in the interior of the system housing for receiving the filtered water from the filtration units and pumping the filtered water to a collection tank or dispenser, directly to an end user or to a reverse-osmosis water filtration unit for further filtration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a filter unit for depleting or enriching a liquid or gas with substance(s) comprising i) providing a filter unit comprising at least one convective layer and at least one receiving layer adjacent one another, ii) passing the liquid or gas through the filter so that the main direction of flow is along the layers and the main flow of liquid gas is in the convective layer, allowing the substance(s) to: a) be transferred from a convective layer to a receiving layer, and b) be retained or otherwise modified or transferred within a receiving layer, or c) be provided by the receiving layer, and d) be transferred from the receiving layer to the fluid in the convective layer.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing dialysis treatment are provided. The device includes a resin bed including zirconium phosphate, zirconium oxide, and urease.

Abstract: A bacteria growth device (1) for use with bacteria in a substantially liquid medium, the device (1) comprising at least one strip (5) having a surface area shaped and sized for receiving bacteria present in the substantially liquid medium and for allowing attachment of said bacteria onto the surface area of the at least one strip (5) so as to promote growth of the attached bacteria. The substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in a n aerobic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria. Alternatively, the substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in an anaerobic and/or anoxic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of corresponding anaerobic and/or anoxic bacteria. Also, described are an assembly including the above-mentioned device and the method associated thereto.

Abstract: A bacteria growth device (1) for use with bacteria in a substantially liquid medium, the device (1) comprising at least one strip (5) having a surface area shaped and sized for receiving bacteria present in the substantially liquid medium and for allowing attachment of said bacteria onto the surface area of the at least one strip (5) so as to promote growth of the attached bacteria. The substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in a n aerobic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria. Alternatively, the substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in an anaerobic and/or anoxic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of corresponding anaerobic and/or anoxic bacteria. Also, described are an assembly including the above-mentioned device and the method associated thereto.

Abstract: An adsorptive bed having hydrous iron oxide and calcium carbonate materials. The adsorptive bed is useful in water treatment applications for removing metal contaminants, particularly for removing arsenic-containing ions.

Abstract: A stormwater inlet near an upper edge of a layered filter media vessel is equipped with a distribution header that ensures effective use of the surface area of the filter media by providing plural spaced streams of stormwater thereat, each at a point of impact having its energy dissipated by a layer of material that covers the upper layered filter media surface. The stormwater inflow is metered to control the stormwater pollutant removal process kinetics, thereby slowing the mean free path of the stormwater therethrough and optimizing pollutant capture. The water level within the vessel is height adjustable manually by a pivot arm in the form of a standing column of water coupled to the water within the container. Weep conduits are provided to slowly drain down the standing water in the system between storm events, simplifying maintenance and promoting best removal of pollutants from first-flush storm events. Stormwater pretreatment, e.g. by use of an oleophilic agent or a pH-buffering agent, is provided.

Abstract: A filter medium comprises a mass of elongate, differently orientated, shape-sustaining elongate elements comprising a sponge material, the different orientation of the elements causing these to form a self-supporting open network which provides substantial interstitial space between the elements, this space preferably being larger than the total volume of the elements themselves. The sponge material may be cellulose or PVA. The elements may be tubular, or they may have a reinforcing core to retain their shape. The reinforcing core may be of stiff synthetic plastic material. Filtration apparatus comprises such a mass of filter medium in a tank with ports for admitting air for filtering and exhausting filtered air. The tank may be separated into several sections by perforated screens supporting respective layers of filter medium.

Abstract: A stratified bed of activated carbon having regions of functionalized and non-functionalized activated carbon can be utilized to remove contaminants from fluids such as groundwater. The functionalized region has activated carbon particles comprising a cationic or anionic compound that can remove organic or inorganic anionic or cationic compounds from the fluid to be treated. The non-functionalized region comprises powdered or granular activated carbon or adsorbent media downstream of the functionalized region and captures any leaching species or compounds from the functionalized region.

Abstract: A system and process for treating water are described. Water may be purified by passing feed water through an electrochemical deionization device. The water may be suitable for cooking, washing, and beverage production.

Abstract: A storm water treatment device that is installed under the grate of new or existing catch basins, and more commonly referred to as an insert. The catch basin decontamination apparatus has a universal housing and support ring that allows one design to fit most applications. Adjustable chains allow for proper position below grate and a semi-flexible molded or rigid deflector directs incoming drain water to the housing. A slip-on filter/absorber cartridge fits over a perforated drain tube, in the center of the housing, allowing the drain water to first pass through the filter/absorber media before exiting through the drain tube and out the bottom of the housing. The filter/absorber cartridge includes a variety of absorber materials that absorb oil and repel water. Activated carbon, microbes and other site specific absorbents can be used in the replaceable slip-on cartridge. A leaf pre-strainer helps prevent leaves and debris from entering the housing.

Abstract: A sand filter apparatus (10) for treating water includes a filter retention vessel (16) having an outlet (18) from which filtrate can be supplied. An inlet arrangement (48) is in fluid communication with the filter retention vessel and is connectable to a supply of waste water. A filter is interposed between the inlet arrangement and the outlet. The filter includes two layers of aggregate (12, 36) and a layer of sand (26) interposed between the two layers of aggregate. The sand is at least one of, or a mixture of, granite-based sand and substantially pure silica based sand.

Abstract: Oil adsorbent layers 4 and packed layers 5 are alternately laminated inside a treatment vessel 2, the oil adsorbent layers 4 comprise ten laminated flat sheets 4a composed of polypropylene, and gelled aluminum hydroxide 15 is evenly applied over the surface of each of these sheets 4a on the laminated side. These flat sheets 4a are lipophilic and hydrophobic.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided that includes a hood, a drain manifold, a filter disposed between the hood and the drain manifold, a drainage space that is disposed between and in fluid communication with both the filter medium and the drain manifold, a check valve that is configured to permit air to escape but not to enter the drainage space so that a siphon can be established that draws additional fluid through the filter medium and into the drain manifold, the siphon continuing until air entering the hood disrupts the siphon, and a check valve cap that is configured to permit air to escape the check valve while preserving an air-filled void above the check valve when the filter assembly is submerged.

Abstract: A process for separating an aqueous emulsion including an aqueous phase and an non-aqueous phase into separated aqueous and non-aqueous phases, to provide a recovered non-aqueous phase, and to provide a recovered aqueous phase containing an acceptable level of the non-aqueous phase. In the process, at least one body, and preferably two or more bodies, of polymeric material with a high surface area, typically a foam material or polymer chips, is used in a horizontal flow treatment system to break the emulsion and thus provide both the aqueous and non-aqueous phases as two separate flows. A wide range of polymers can be used in the system as the polymeric material including polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polyethylene. If a very low level of non-aqueous phase in the effluent is required, for example to meet potable water standards, then a Kozlowski polyurethane, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,040, is preferred as the last polymeric material body.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.

Abstract: A dual filter apparatus and a process of making a dual filter apparatus that minimizes disruption to the normal flow pattern through the filter apparatus by forming a porous medium suitable to carry a fluid activator and placing an activator proximate the porous filter medium for in situ fluid treatment and removal of debris from the fluid by screening action of the porous filter medium that entraps debris thereon.

Abstract: A filter for removing soluble and insoluble lead from water supplied by a water source includes at least one charged filter medium configured to facilitate removing at least one of soluble lead and insoluble colloidal lead from the water.

Abstract: Solid phase extraction articles, well-less filtration devices, and methods of manufacturing the articles and devices are disclosed. Methods of extracting analytes from samples using the articles and devices are also disclosed. The articles, devices and methods include a solid phase extraction medium (SPE medium) that incorporates thermoplastic material, e.g., in the form of thermoplastic particles enmeshed within a fibril matrix.

Abstract: To compose a composite filter for obtaining water having a high purity usable as water for life and water for medicine from water in which impurities are mixed. Furthermore, to compose an apparatus for obtaining water having a high purity using the filter. Moreover, to configure the apparatus so as to facilitate exchange of the filter. That is, water having a high purity can be obtained by allowing raw water to permeate through a composite filter which consists of a first layer 11 made of fibers, a second layer 12 made of ion exchange resin, a third layer 14 made of activated carbon and a fourth layer 16 made of an unwoven textile. These first layer, second layer, third layer and fourth layer are configured as separate independent filters respectively so that each filter can be exchanged independently. Furthermore, different kinds of filters can be combined dependently on purposes of use.

Abstract: An underdrain system having a bottom formed of concrete. The concrete bottom includes a plurality of depressions formed therein. A porous plate is operably associated with at least one of the depressions. An anchor assembly is provided for anchoring the porous plate to the concrete bottom in an efficient and cost effective manner. Preferably, the anchor assembly permits the porous plate to be readily replaced. An optional insert may be used to enhance the distribution of the flow of fluid through the porous plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to filter media compositions, apparatuses and systems for removing contaminants from fluids, as well as methods of using the same. In certain aspects the filter media comprises one or more halogenated resins and one or more contaminant sorbent media. The filter media of the present disclosure may be self-contained in a single unit or certain components may be housed in separate units acting in parallel or in series.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing water and/or surfactants from lipophilic fluids, absorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.

Abstract: A package plant for treating raw water to yield potable water. The package plant includes an inlet for raw water, followed by an ozonator for disinfecting the water. Next is provided an up flow roughing filter including a chemically active layer, on top. A slow sand filter follows, which is sized and shaped to promote growth of a biomass for water purification. The up flow roughing filter removes particulates, contributes to the removal of dissolved organics, and protects the slow sand biomass by removing disinfection residuals. In another aspect a method of maintaining the plant is provided, including washing the up flow roughing filter by draining water down through it, providing a vigorous up flow to agitate the top layer, and then washing the slow sand filter.

Abstract: Silica may form as a degradation product in an electrochemical fuel cell system and may be found within the water management subsystem thereof. The silica may polymerize and/or react to form insoluble metal silicates which may lead to reduced lifetime or performance of individual components within the fuel cell system. These problems can be eliminated or reduced by adding a silica absorber such as aluminum, either as alumina granulate or an aluminum plate to the water management subsystem, for example in, upstream and/or downstream of the water filter. In addition, the silica absorber may be in, upstream and/or downstream of the water tank.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided that includes a hood, a drain manifold, a filter disposed between the hood and the drain manifold, a drainage space that is disposed between and in fluid communication with both the filter medium and the drain manifold, a check valve that is configured to permit air to escape but not to enter the drainage space so that a siphon can be established that draws additional fluid through the filter medium and into the drain manifold, the siphon continuing until air entering the hood disrupts the siphon, and a check valve cap that is configured to permit air to escape the check valve while preserving an air-filled void above the check valve when the filter assembly is submerged.

Abstract: A colloid comprises a sulfone polymer. The colloid may be used as a replacement for activated carbon or charcoal in water purification systems. Unlike activated carbon, the colloid is advantageously regenerated chemically and reused.

Abstract: A passive treatment system for removing metals, especially manganese, from mine drainage and other aqueous solutions. The Hybrid Flow Pond (HFP) is an open, pond-like structure utilizing a horizontal or vertical operational flow path through a bed of treatment media together with a vertical flow path for flushing accumulated solids from the bed. The bed preferably contains basic steel slag, limestone, marble, blast furnace slag, other types of slag, organic material, or mixtures thereof. In another aspect of the Hybrid Flow Pond, a tiered piping system divides an interior of the treatment bed into cells. Each cell has its own header and adjustable riser whose output level can be raised or lowered to change the head experienced by each cell.

Abstract: An antibacterial member is constituted such that a propolis component is contained in, or adhered to, a water-insoluble base member. This antibacterial member is mixed into a filter member to be disposed in a flow passage in an antibacterial filter. Water in the antibacterial filter receives the antibacterial action from the propolis component when coming in contact with the antibacterial member. Thus, microorganisms in water is extinguished, and generation and propagation of germs, bacteria, algae and the like are suppressed.

Abstract: A free radical solution producing apparatus, which comprises: a feed port (6) in which water is drawn, a dechlorination processing section (1) which produces first water by decomposing chlorine compounds in said water, a magnetic processing section (2) which produces second water by carrying out a process that applies a magnetic field to said first water, a radiation processing section (3) which produces third water by carrying out a process that irradiates a radiation to said second water, an ion exchange section (4) which produces fourth water by carrying out a process that performs an ion exchange for said third water, an electric field applying section (5) which produces fifth water by carrying out a process that applies a strong electric field to said fourth water, and a fifth water intake (7-5) from which said fifth water is obtained, produces water which has the effects of sterilizing and disinfection, and strong cleansing power.

Abstract: The filter contaminant loading capacity of a depth granular media filter is increased by imposing a so-called “back-slip” on the filter bed. At intervals between normal backwashing, a volume of liquid is passed upwardly through the media bed under flow conditions selected to displace at least some of the contaminants upwardly in the bed while essentially removing none of the contaminants from the filter vessel. Preferably, the filter bed comprises at least two media types of different but uniform particle sizes and densities, the media types each forming a distinct layer in which the effective particle size of the media in each successive layer decreases in a downward direction in the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water treatment apparatus and method for reducing toxicity in zinc containing acid stormwater runoff, the apparatus comprising a first filter layer of high calcium material a last filter layer comprising a drainpipe arrangement embedded within an aggregate; and at least one intermediate filter layer comprising a wood mulch material positioned between the first filter layer and said last filter layer.

Abstract: A system suitable for the elimination of Cryptosporidium oocysts from water includes a filter bed comprising four layers of inert particulate material such that, from the top layer (first layer) to the bottom layer (fourth layer), the coarseness of the particles decreases while the density of the particulate material increases.

Abstract: An ion exchange resin plant for the demineralizing or softening water with an arrangement that allows the plant to operate continuously. The plant tank is divided into to two separate compartments that work simultaneously. One compartment effects water demineralization while the other compartment regenerates the ion exchanging resins.